What’s The Problem?

The Queenstown Lakes District population has been burgeoning over the last few years and is projected to continue to increase beyond 2020. In Queenstown alone the number of permanent residents has doubled in the past ten years. This makes the Queenstown Lakes district one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

Whilst Queenstown Lakes is perceived by many as an affluent population with low need this is a misconception. Many young families in the area are without the support of an extended family unit increasing the prevalence of isolation a risk factor for vulnerable children and families. As a consequence, significant demand has been put on the local social service infrastructure and the service provision falls significantly below the level of need, creating limited access to services, another risk factor.

Additionally young families choose to live in Queenstown for the employment opportunities it offers but because it is essentially a tourist destination, the cost of living here is higher than in other areas and housing/rents in particular are well above the national average. This leads to more families living in financial difficulties, in an overcrowded house and/or with more than one housing problem all possible risk factors. With Queenstown and its neighbouring settlements attaining city status in the foreseeable future, potentially new difficulties lie ahead.